Ojo Adenegan, an Assistant Director of the Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement dispatched to journalists in Akure, the state capital.

Captain Adenegan said in the statement that the suspects, together with some of their informants, were nabbed through a special operation executed by the Nigerian Army.

He noted that the Brigadier-General of the 32 Artillery Brigade, James Ataguba, led the troops that combed and smoked out the hoodlums from their den in the Akoko axis of the state, which shares a border with Kogi State.

"The commander and his troops did not leave any stone unturned where they raided," Captain Adenegan said. “They thoroughly searched various forested kidnappers’ camps and spots at the boundary between Kogi and Ondo states in Akunu Akoko, Ohogo and Ogale communities."

The Army spokesperson explained that the special operation was carried out by the Army as a follow-up to rescue some of the abducted victims at Akunnu and Ose areas of the state.

According to him, the operation, which is still ongoing, aims to track down kidnappers and prevent them from committing their crimes, especially in the troubled areas of Akoko land.

Speaking further in a telephone interview with SaharaReporters, Captain Adenegan said no fewer than ten persons were arrested by the army at the busted scene.

He stated that many of the victims who were found inside the den were immediately freed by the soldiers.

"Our men noticed that some of the victims were already weak in nature due to the trauma they must have passed through in the hands of these hoodlums while in the den," he told our correspondent.

The Army spokesperson disclosed that those arrested have been handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

He urged members of the public to share information that could potentially lead to the arrest of kidnappers and other criminals with 32 Artillery Brigade.

"The Brigade hereby advises the general public to always give useful information on any criminal activities through the Brigade call center with the following hotlines: 09030002151 and 09030002151," he said.

Our correspondent in Akure reported that the abandoned roads of Akoko axis in Ondo State have become notorious for kidnapping.

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